The Washington Capitals won the Game 1 of this Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Rangers 2-1 Thursday after a last second winner. I expect another tight low-scoring encounter at MSG today before the teams travel to Washington for the following two games in the series.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Goaltending - The Caps Braden Holtby has allowed just 11 goals over seven starts in the post-season while compiling a .947 SV%. He's also had good support from a hard-working Capitals defense, the Islanders were held to just 11 shots on goal goal in the deciding Game 7 in the conference quarterfinals for example. The Rangers "King Henrik" has certainly lived up to his nickname so far in the playoffs yielding just 10 goals over six starts behind a .938 SV%.

2. Trends - Only five of the last 29 meetings have gone over the total and the under is 5-1 in the Caps last six and 4-0 in the Rangers last four overall.

3. X-Factor - Washington killed off both of the Rangers power-play chances Thursday and have yet to concede on the penalty kill in this year's post-season.

Selection: This is a play on WAS@NYR to go under the total (8*)